American Sand-burrowing Mayfly

Dolania

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Ephemeroptera
Suborder: Furcatergalia
Family: Behningiidae
Genus: Dolania

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dolania: /doʊˈleɪniə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Summary

Dolania americana, known as the American sand-burrowing mayfly, is a rare and short-lived insect found in southeastern U.S. waters, where its unique life cycle and emergence behaviors occur.

Physical Characteristics

Mature nymphs are approximately 15 mm in body length. The adult has a pale brownish-purple body with membranous wings measuring 10 to 13 mm in length. Nymphs have a cylindrical body with a flattened head, spiny sides on the head and prothorax, and a dense cover of bristles on the abdomen. The tail filaments at the tip of the abdomen consist of three structures.

Identification Tips

Adults are characterized by their pale brownish-purple body and large membranous wings. Nymphs can be identified by their cylindrical body, spiny features, and absence of claws on their legs.

Habitat

Dolania americana is found in streams and rivers in the coastal plains of the southeastern United States, specifically in areas with sandy riverbeds and rapidly moving water.

Distribution

Primarily found in the southeastern United States, with a specific record from the St. Croix River in northwestern Wisconsin.

Diet

Nymphs are predators, feeding on the larvae of chironomids and ceratopogonids.

Life Cycle

The life cycle is likely univoltine, with adults emerging synchronously in spring. Nymphs complete their development within around a year.

Reproduction

Females deposit eggs in the water shortly after mating; male adults patrol the river for females. The lifespan of adults is very short, lasting about 30 minutes.

Ecosystem Role

As predators, the nymphs play a role in controlling populations of aquatic larvae.

Collecting Methods

Light trapping during adult emergence

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation of nymphs
Drying adults for study

Evolution

Dolania is a monotypic genus within the family Behningiidae, suggesting a unique evolutionary lineage amongst mayflies.

Similar Taxa

Other genera in the family Behningiidae

Misconceptions

The brief adult lifespan might lead to the misconception that mayflies do not have life stages prior to adulthood, whereas they undergo significant development as nymphs.